Even though Spring has been in full swing since March, it is never too late to conduct some pivotal spring cleaning duties. Being proactive when it comes to your maintenance duties will also reduce the number of complaints you receive from the tenants while also providing you with valuable insight as to how your property is being treated while it is still being rented. While there are certain spring cleaning tasks that are designed to keep your property looking great, others will ensure that your tenants’ health is not compromised in any way due to mold growth, carbon dioxide emissions, and a dirty air conditioner among other things. Be sure to include these areas of your home into your annual spring cleaning to benefit both you and your tenants.

Eradicate moisture

One of the most important spring cleaning tasks you can undertake as a landlord is to eradicate moisture from the home. During the winter months, it is common for mold to build up due to the interior humidity. Apart from being unsightly, this mold can also cause a variety of health conditions ranging from mild to severe. People who are sensitive to mold may experience symptoms ranging from skin irritations and itchy eyes to coughing and a running nose. If someone is allergic to mold, however, they can face far more serious reactions that include asthma attacks and potentially life-threatening lung infections.

Natural is best

Investing in a humidifier for your property is a good way to get rid extra moisture before it can cause mild. Once the mold appears it needs to be removed as soon as possible. While this can be done by using chemicals such as ammonia and hydrogen peroxide, natural products are always best as they will have less of an impact on the environment. Vinegar does a great job at killing mold as does a solution made with tea tree oil and water. Alternatively, seek out eco-friendly mold removers from reputable manufacturers such as the concentrated all-purpose cleaner from Mama Suds to remove all signs of mold and mildew in the home.

Check your carbon dioxide and smoke detectors

While your tenants can report any problems with the smoke and carbon dioxide detectors in the home as they notice them, it is up to you as the landlord to check up on the devices at least twice a year. Detectors that are in good working order can not only prevent your property from burning down but also save the lives off your tenants.  Not only will you end up saving money by avoiding costly repairs, but potential lawsuits as well that may stem from non-functioning detectors.

Don’t neglect your aircon

If your property has an air conditioning system installed it is imperative to have it checked before summer rolls in.  A dirty aircon can be very detrimental to one’s health, especially to people who are already living with respiratory conditions such as asthma and cystic fibrosis. Even tenants with seemingly healthy lungs can develop a range of ailments due to the prolonged inhalation of the toxins trapped within the air conditioning unit. Ensure that the air filter on the unit is changed regularly and have a professional technician carry out routine maintenance once a year during your annual spring clean.

Taking your spring cleaning duties seriously says a lot about what kind of a landlord you are. Even if your tenants are renting to buy your property, you still owe it to them and yourself to keep your house in good condition while it is still legally your responsibility.

Written by freelancer Sally Preston